Chart of the Month – April 2025
Are bonds an income generator—or just dead weight? Let’s find out.
“Am I Ok?” Income Planning & Portfolio Preparedness | Financial Perspectives
Category: Investing » Asset Allocation
Market periods like these have a way of making virtually everyone ask the questions, "Am I okay? Is my financial plan going to survive these latest seismic events?" This week, Kent Kramer looks at historical worst-case scenarios and how they could be used to inform your financial plan.
Generosity in Action: Q&A with Change Course
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
You don't have to be an optimist to know that you can squeeze a lot of happiness out of a springtime mini vacation in the city of big shoulders!
Your Money Should Make You Happy – Does It?
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
What role does money play in your life? Is it possible that your financial plan could be “bulletproof”… but also “joy-proof”? Discover how shifting your mindset can lead to greater meaning, freedom, and fun.
Tariffs, Turmoil, and Market Decline | Financial Perspectives
What's the rationale behind the steep new US tariffs and what does that mean for an investor's portfolio? What can or should we do as investors? In this special edition Financial Perspectives, Kent Kramer covers the announced tariffs, the impact on markets, and the dos and don'ts during market turmoil.
Diversifying Away the Troubles with Tariffs
How do tariffs impact your investment portfolio? Kent Kramer takes a look at the latest tariff policies, market volatility, and why diversification is key to managing uncertainty.
On Investing: the Triumph of the Optimists
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
Stock markets have a long history of rewarding optimistic, long-term investors despite periods of volatility. Curious about the data behind it? Read to learn more!
Investing Wisely for the Marathon
Investing, much like running a marathon, requires strategy and discipline. The temptation to chase short-term gains or follow the crowd can be hard to resist—but it often leads to burnout and disappointment. So how do you stay on track and set yourself up for long-term success?
The Troubles with Tariffs | Financial Perspectives
How do tariffs impact your investment portfolio? This month, Kent Kramer discusses the latest tariff policies, market volatility, and why diversification is key to managing uncertainty.
Are You Hungry?
Category: Financial Planning » Charitable Giving
Often times, we think about giving to those in need or supporting our favorite non-profit organization(s) at Thanksgiving and Christmas or, with end-of-year gifts. This is great, however, the need to feed is ongoing. So the question, “Are you hungry?” is more about “Are you interested in learning more about how you can become more generous than you already are today?”
The Power of Invitation
Category: Financial Planning » Charitable Giving
How can extending a powerful invitation create an opportunity for connection? Let's take a look!
The Intersection of Finance & Life Well-Being with Professor Meir Statman | Financial Perspectives
Category: Investing » Financial Science (Academia)
This week, join Kent Kramer for an insightful conversation with best-selling author, Professor Meir Statman, a leading expert in behavioral finance. Discover how financial security, optimism, and resilience contribute to overall life well-being. Professor Statman shares his inspiring personal journey and offers practical advice on balancing financial wealth with life’s other important aspects, such as family, health, and meaningful relationships.
Tax Loss Harvesting: Losing to Win?
Category: Investing
In the investing world, how can it be possible to win even when you lose? That is precisely what occurs when utilizing a tax loss harvesting strategy. Let's take a look!
More Than Just the Turkey
Category: Investing » Diversification
In both meals and investments, balance is key. A diversified portfolio can weather market fluctuations just as a well planned Thanksgiving dinner can satisfy almost everyone’s appetite.
Transform Your Holidays: Giving Stories & Family Activities | Financial Perspectives
Category: Financial Planning » Charitable Giving
This week, Kent Kramer is joined by Senior Lead Advisor Ashlee Vieregger to discuss year-end financial planning ideas that create meaningful family traditions through charitable giving for every age group. Learn how to engage your entire family in generosity through telling stories and sharing an activity, all with the hidden benefit of building lasting financial skills.
The Ruling on the Field is Under (Fiduciary) Review
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
Today, all sports have adopted official replay and the goal is to: Get the call right. Make the correct decision. Similar in use is the role of a fiduciary financial advisor. Having an objective resource to review one’s situation, incorporate goals, evaluate risks, and utilize precedence helps deliver peace of mind around financial decisions.
The Gift of You
Category: Foster Group
Time is a unique asset. We can’t save it for the future. We spend it with every minute that goes by. But as with other assets, we can be generous with our time. Here are four examples of people I know personally, who inspire me by their active generosity.
Avoid Being Surprised by Insurance Policy Changes
Category: Financial Planning
It’s that time of year — you know, the time when you receive a large envelope from your insurance company with your renewal documents. Do you look at the documents? Check out a few of the items we’re seeing in the marketplace today.
Selling Your Business: Tax Implications and Qualified Small Business Stock Opportunities
Category: Financial Planning » Education Planning
Selling a business involves numerous considerations, particularly the tax implications for key shareholders. There are potential tax advantages available to business owners and key employees that can help mitigate these costs. Let's take a look.
Two Ideas for Year-End Tax Savings | Financial Perspectives
Category: Financial Planning » Charitable Giving
In this special edition of Financial Perspectives, Kent Kramer is joined by Foster Group advisors Marcus Iwig and Caleb Brown as they share essential year-end tax planning tips. Discover how to make tax-efficient charitable donations from your IRA, maximize deductions by combining multiple years of giving, and convert pre-tax retirement accounts to Roth IRAs.